Michael Vichiola Shares His Story of Overcoming Autism Spectrum Disorder
Photos provided by Rampage student photographer Nathan LePere.
Michael Vichiola grew up in Torrington, Connecticut, where at the age of three he was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), a developmental disability that affects how people interact with others, communicate, learn, and behave. But despite the challenges with social communication and interaction, Vichiola never let his diagnosis define him or limit his ability to succeed.
Vichiola recalled some of the challenges growing up and going to school. He said the main challenges centered around social interaction.
“It was mostly things like difficulty making eye contact or not knowing what to say in conversations,” Vichiola said. But he went on to graduate from Torrington High School before deciding to come to Bluefield University. And while some might think that college is not an option for people with ASD, Vichiola said always thought it would be a part of his future plans.
“If anything, I thought that college was an excellent opportunity,” he said, “because for one, we all need an education, and two, everyone saw the gifts I had such as intelligence and a willingness to help.”
Vichiola attended a community college near his home in Connecticut first, but knew he’d have to look elsewhere to earn his bachelor’s degree. He said he wanted to attend a Christian college and pursue a degree in the area of theology. With the help of a friend, they searched online for schools in Connecticut before broadening the search to other nearby states and later Virginia and Bluefield.
“After getting a chance to look at all the details, I saw that it (Bluefield) was exactly what I was looking for, and I decided to apply and give the Admissions Office a call,” Vichiola said. “So at that point, I had a decision to make, should I go for it (move all the way to Virginia to attend college) or not. I was encouraged to come here, and the rest is history.”
At Bluefield, Vichiola pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Christian studies with a concentration in Biblical and theological studies. In addition, he is a volunteer for the Student Activities Leadership Team (SALT), treasurer and historian for the Student Government Association (SGA), a manager and filmographer for the BU football team, and a fundraiser for the BU Missions Club. Vichiola said the faculty and staff have helped played a big part in his success both in and out of the classroom at BU.
“They’ve helped me face the challenges just by doing what the Lord called them to do and being a support in doing it,” he said.
He spoke specifically about the support of Emily Cook, director of BU counseling services. He recalled his first time meeting her and the counseling sessions they would have together and how she would help him through his challenges. He noted how their relationship progressed to the point of planning and hosting an autism panel for Autism Awareness Month, which turned out to be an excellent experience for both Vichiola and the BU campus community.
“She is certainly one of the people who has been an encouragement to me,” Vichiola said, “in terms of how I could improve on the challenges that come with the spectrum and in using that as an opportunity to speak into anyone’s lives.”
Vichiola said he hopes his ability to overcome the challenges of autism spectrum disorder and succeed in college will serve as an encouragement to others who might be struggling with ASD. He said he hopes his story will help those students overcome their fears.
“Don’t be afraid of stepping out and being the man or woman the Lord called you to be just because you don’t think He can use you,” he said.